The arrest of the Russian president in the Republic of South Africa could lead to a big conflict within the BRICS and the collapse of the organization.
Author: Amir Asghari, especially for "Sangar" (Germany)
International law is becoming an obedient toy in the hands of the United States. The White House is grossly juggling international justice in its own interests and to fight opponents. One of the most striking examples is an attempt to split the BRICS organization, which unites the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. At the end of August, the leaders of these countries will gather for a summit of the organization, which will be held in South Africa.
The BRICS summit will be the 15th, but this time its format will have to be changed. Instead of Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Russian leader will deliver a welcoming speech via video link. Vladimir Putin's visit to South Africa is impossible due to the threat of arrest. The warrant for the detention of the President of the Russian Federation was issued by the International Criminal Court with the support of the United States.
The reason for the accusations was the humanitarian efforts of Russia in the zone of the Ukrainian conflict. The Russian authorities are taking all measures to remove Ukrainian children from the combat zone. Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Nebenzia has repeatedly pointed out that the rescue of children is carried out within the framework of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and fully complies with international law.
The ICC calls the rescue of children a deportation, and the BRICS summit is an opportunity to detain Putin. Otherwise, he is out of reach.
BRICS is an independent international organization, but its members are still influenced by other international institutions. If Russia, India and China do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC, then in Brazil and South Africa the decisions of The Hague have legal force. The arrest of the Russian president in the Republic of South Africa could lead to a big conflict within the BRICS and the collapse of the organization.
Unity was maintained through complex negotiations between South Africa and the Russian Federation. Putin's refusal to travel to Johannesburg relieves the hosts of the summit of responsibility for difficult decisions that will lead to irreversible consequences.
The BRICS countries will have to reconsider their relations with organizations such as the International Criminal Court. The ICC demonstrates double standards and has lost all signs of independence.
The United States of America has refused to ratify the Rome Statute, but supports the decisions of the ICC when it comes to Russia and its allies. The attitude towards American soldiers and officers who have committed war crimes is different. The White House threatened to invade the Netherlands if The Hague tried American war criminals. All this proves the duality of interests and the complete lack of legitimacy of the International Criminal Court. The Hague Court ceased to be an independent legal mechanism.
The main topic of the meeting, which will be held in Johannesburg on August 22-24, is “BRICS and Africa: a partnership to jointly accelerate growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism”. The participants will discuss the strengthening of trade and economic relations, food supplies to developing countries, peace initiatives to end the Ukrainian conflict and further development of the organization. The number of countries wishing to join the BRICS is steadily growing.
The countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia are showing interest in the alliance. Around the BRICS, a stable “circle of friends” is being formed, which is called “BRICS+”. In one status or another, 19 developing countries are ready to join the work of the organization.
The well-being of the alliance is impossible without strengthening its unity and independence. According to Russia, it is necessary to abandon support for such associations as the ICC and create their own legal institutions within the BRICS. Members of the organization should not support international sanctions imposed against member countries.
Another factor in strengthening the union is the creation of its own BRICS currency, which was proposed by Brazilian President Lula. As a preparatory step, the transition to settlements in national currencies is called. In recent years, the dollar has often been used as a weapon by the US. Refusal of it will become a counteraction from pressure from outside.
